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Monday, December 16, 2013

As many of you know, this weekend marked one year since the Sandy Hook shooting. To this day, I can scarcely think about that day without tears. I can't even begin to imagine myself in their shoes. I am humbled and awed at their strength. I hope this reminds you to tell the people you love how much you love them, while you have the chance.

I remember watching this video last year and feeling absolutely blown away by this father's words.

A year later, I watch this video and, once again, am incredibly moved by the strength of this family. When I am feeling complacent and comfortable with this life, it is something like this that reminds me I need Jesus. I NEED Jesus. We can talk about working together, loving everyone, and world peace, but without Jesus, there is no peace.

While Emilie Parker's family gets a lot of publicity for their faith, please take the time to also remember the other beautiful children and teachers who died that day. You can go here to find a list of all of them.

Monday, December 9, 2013

For Thanksgiving, I went to visit Dan in Victoria, BC. I had lots of new and exciting adventures!! To start with, it was pretty darn cold. Before I went, Daniel told me to bring long underwear (I get cold easily) and then had to explain to me what long underwear are. So I went and bought myself a pair of long underwear (although I didn't end up wearing them). But it sure was cold!

Dan's parents live out on this island that requires you take a boat to get to! It's pretty neat to boat everywhere, although I must admit it was a little scary at first. We went fishing and I caught my first fish!!!! I even touched it and it was quite disgusting!! (;

Another highlight of the trip was going to the Christmas Tree festival in downtown Victoria. We just happened to stumble upon it but I'm so glad we did! It's this gorgeous hotel that had at least 75 fully decorated Christmas trees. Businesses decorate them and then anyone can walk by and enjoy all of them (and get out of the freezing cold for a bit). It was so beautiful! Sadly, I didn't have my camera but I found this picture online.

Even though Thanksgiving had already happened for the Canadians, we had a lovely Thanksgiving dinner so that I could still enjoy Thanksgiving! My favorite Thanksgiving dish is dressing... mmm, mmm. Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite holiday, so I was so *thankful* not to miss it.

On Sunday night, Dan took me to the Butchart Gardens for the Christmas lighting. Oh my goodness, words can not describe how gorgeous it is. There are literally thousands of lights EVERYWHERE. They also had displays set up for each of the twelve scenes of the song "The 12 Days of Christmas." It was so neat!! I loved listening to the brass band play Christmas carols. This time I actually DID have my camera, but I don't know how to take good night pictures!

In front of the "Sunken Garden"

Please note our creepy, soul-sucking eyes! (:

I also got to enjoy seeing some of my friends and meeting Dan's little niece, Natalia, who is a ball of energy! And of course, the best part was getting to spend time with this guy!